Carved Wooden Mask
Item
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Accession Number
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2023.2.
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Title
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Carved Wooden Mask
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Ethnic Group
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Chokwe
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Subject
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Mask|Ceremonial|Central Africa
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Country
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Date
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Early 20th Century
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Medium
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wood, metal, pigment from red and white clay, oil, beading, cowrie shells
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Format
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H x W x D: 21 1/4 in x 8 in x 6 3/4 in (53.975 cm x 20.32 cm x 17.145 cm)
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Description
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The mask is carved of wood, adorned with various elements such as an ornate coiffure, metal earrings, and carved symbols on the face. The mask is recognized as Chokwe by its half closed eyes, slender nose, hemispherical ears and facial carvings. The female Pwo, or Mwana Pwo mask was to be worn my a male masker, in a performance celebrating one's transition and initiation into adulthood. The carving on the forehead is a common motif, believed to be a cosmogram. The designs under the eyes signify tears, as the ceremony is highly emotional.
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Type
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Face Mask
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Conforms To
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Chokwe
